Sony adds bite-sized Xperia Z3 Tablet Compact to the mix at IFA 2014

Sony rounded out its IFA offerings with a new tablet called the Xperia Z3 Tablet Compact. The Z3 Tablet Compact is smaller than previous Xperia Z tablets, but it has all the same high-end specs we’ve come to expect from Sony.

Updated on 9-4-2014 by Simon Hill: Added some details about the PlayStation 4 compatibility, link to article on it, and pricing info.

The Xperia Z3 Tablet Compact features an 8-inch, Full HD screen and is powered by the same Qualcomm Snapdragon 801 processor as the new Z3 flagship smartphone. The tablet also has 3GB of RAM and the Adreno 330 GPU onboard. Just like the other devices in the Xperia Z3 lineup, you can use the new compact tablet as your very own gaming console, in conjunction with your PlayStation 4.

Sony says the tablet’s 4,500mAh battery will last you through 13 hours of video playback, which is pretty impressive for a small tablet. The Z3 Compact Tablet comes with 16GB of storage onboard, which can be expanded up to 128GB with a MicroSD card. It doesn’t have the same super-high-resolution camera as seen on the two Xperia Z3 smartphones, but the Z3 Tablet Compact did get an 8-megapixel camera with an Exmor RS sensor.

The tablet weighs 9.5oz, comes in black and white color options, and features the same IP68 water and dust proof rating as the Xperia Z3 and Z3 Compact smartphones.

Sony’s Remote Play feature is also going to work with the Xperia Z3 Tablet Compact so you’ll be able to stream games from your PS4 to your tablet screen as long as they’re on the same Wi-Fi network. You’ll need to pair a DualShock 4 controller with your Xperia Z3 Tablet Compact to play. Sony is also offering a special Game Control Mount that attaches the Z3 Tablet directly to the controller. The service will be available starting in November.

Sony will release the Xperia Z3 Tablet Compact globally, with both LTE and Wi-Fi variants arriving in stores this fall. It’s already available for pre-order at Sony’s UK website starting from £329 ($540).